Origin
Gonolobus obliquus, also known as starvine, is a perennial vine in the Apocynaceae family native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. It can be found in prairies, savannas, and disturbed areas.
Common Names
Starvine is a common name for Gonolobus obliquus due to the distinctive star-shaped pattern of the stem. Other common names include anglepod, sandvine, and gumboot vine.
Uses
While not commonly used for medicinal purposes, some Indigenous communities have used Gonolobus obliquus to treat skin rashes, stings, and toothaches. The Cherokee tribe used it to make a tea for its diuretic and laxative properties. It is also used as a landscaping plant for its unique appearance.
General Appearance
Gonolobus obliquus grows as a vine that can reach up to 6 feet in length. It has a characteristic star-shaped stem that is both thin and pronounced. The leaves are simple, ovate, and arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and grow in clusters at the base of the leaves. The fruit is a two-part pod that contains seeds with feather-like tufts that allow for easy dispersal by the wind.
Light Requirements
The Gonolobus obliquus plant prefers to grow in partial to full sunlight. It is best to locate the plant in an area where it can receive six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight may result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plants of Gonolobus obliquus can withstand a wide range of temperatures but prefer warm conditions. These plants require temperatures between 15-30°C (59-86°F) for optimal growth, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Avoid exposing plants to temperatures below 15°C (59°F) as they may become dormant and stunt their growth.
Soil Requirements
The plants of Gonolobus obliquus are not very demanding when it comes to soil quality. However, they thrive in fertile and well-draining soil. The ideal pH for this plant is between 6.0 – 7.5. Use a rich potting mix with good water-retaining properties or mix the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility. Make sure that the soil is not waterlogged as it may lead to root rot and cause damage to the plant.
Cultivation methods:
Gonolobus obliquus, commonly known as the Anglepod or Sand Vine, is a perennial climbing plant that needs support for growth. It is best grown in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant requires full sunlight or partial shade for optimal growth. Propagation is preferably done through stem cuttings. The plant can also be grown by planting seeds in the spring.
Watering needs:
The plant requires moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The soil should never dry out entirely, and it should be moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil regularly, and water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water evaporation.
Fertilization:
Fertilization is essential for healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season and decrease to once a month during the dormant season. Over-fertilization can cause toxicity, and hence, it should be avoided.
Pruning:
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant's growth in check as it can become rampant if left unattended. Prune the plant during the spring season to remove any dead, diseased or damaged parts. Cut back the plant by a third to encourage bushy growth. Regular pruning will enable the plant to produce beautiful flowers, and it will also prevent the plant from becoming leggy and unattractive.
Propagation of Gonolobus obliquus
The Gonolobus obliquus plant can be propagated through various methods. Some of the most common methods are:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagation for Gonolobus obliquus. The plant produces small, elongated, and flat seeds that have feather-like structures. The seeds are dispersed by wind, and they can be collected in the fall when they mature.
The collected seeds need to be stored in a cool and dry place until the spring. In early spring, the seeds can be sown in a well-prepared seed bed. The planting depth should be about twice the seed's size. The seed bed should be kept moist until the plants emerge, and they can be transplanted to their permanent location when they have developed about two true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method to propagate Gonolobus obliquus. It involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a well-prepared rooting medium.
The best time to take cuttings is early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cutting should be placed in a rooting medium, such as perlite or sand, and kept moist. It will take about four to six weeks for the cutting to root, and it can be transplanted to its permanent location when the roots are well-developed.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method to propagate Gonolobus obliquus. It involves dividing the plant's root ball into smaller sections and planting them separately.
The best time to divide the plant is in the fall, just before the plant goes dormant. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots. The divided sections should be planted in a well-prepared soil and kept moist until they have established.
By using these propagation methods, Gonolobus obliquus can be easily propagated and grown.
Disease Management
Gonolobus obliquus is susceptible to various plant pathogens that can cause damage to the plant. The common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem rot. Powdery mildew appears as powdery-white patches on leaves and stems and can cause stunted growth and poor fruit development. Leaf spot is characterized by small brown spots on the leaves, which can cause leaf drop. Stem rot can lead to the collapse of the entire plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to promote good plant hygiene practices, such as providing adequate ventilation by spacing plants appropriately to reduce humidity levels in the plant canopy. It’s also advisable to remove any affected plant material immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be used to manage the diseases. It is important to choose the right fungicide, and use it as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the plant and to minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Pest Management
Gonolobus obliquus is susceptible to insect pests, which can cause a reduction in plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. The common pests that affect the plant include whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Whiteflies and aphids feed on the sap of the plant and can transmit plant viruses, while thrips cause damage to the leaves and fruits.
To manage the pests, it is advisable to use integrated pest management techniques, which include cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. Cultural practices such as removing plant debris, reducing weed population and providing adequate plant nutrition can help to reduce pest populations. Biological control involves the use of natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids. Chemical control involves the use of insecticides, which can help to control pest populations. It is important to choose the right insecticide, and use it as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid harming the plant, beneficial insects, and the environment as a whole.
